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Since the mid-19th century, people from my hometown of Syracuse have traveled to Sodus for summer vacations. Midway to Rochester, Sodus is known as a family vacation destination for water recreation on the south shore of Lake Ontario. Great Sodus Bay, the largest bay on the smallest of the Great Lakes, is shallow; at an average depth of just 20 feet, the fishing is great.

Sodus Point Beach Park

Sodus Point Beach Park is busiest from late June through Labor Day weekend. Lifeguards patrol the sandy swim beach seasonally, and can close it due to poor water quality at any time. Amenities include restrooms and a bathhouse, a children's playground, kayak launching and picnic facilities with grills. Trees growing up through the sand provide shade for those that arrive early enough to claim space under the branches. The Sodus Bay Lighthouse, with exhibits on local maritime history, is located at the end of the cement pier that juts out into Lake Ontario.

Beechwood State Park

Beechwood State Park was once Camp Beechwood, a Girl Scouts of America camp. Late-20th century budget problems after the state bought the site resulted in its use only as a natural area. A 1,500-foot pebble beach is dwarfed by a bluff two-stories tall and frequently littered with fallen beech trees and mud. The park is open year-round from dawn to dusk with no fees. Trails are largely undeveloped; reach the lake shore by following an old camp access road north from Lake Road. Other trails lead to Salmon Creek and Maxwell Bay on the east side of Camp Beechwood.

Typical Weather

Sodus, New York in

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The temperature in Sodus, New York in September tends to be very predictable, so you can generally count on the forecast and travel light.

The temperature in Sodus, New York in September is somewhat unpredictable, so be on the safe side and prepare for a variety of conditions.

The temperature in Sodus, New York in September is highly unpredictable, so use the forecast as a guide, but be ready for anything!

Other Shore Areas

About five miles west of Sodus, the grounds of B. Forman County Park slope down to Lake Ontario's waters. No swimming is allowed, but the park has picnic tables and grills, restrooms and a playground for children. Chimney Bluffs State Park, separated from Sodus by a large sand bar on the Bay, has fantastic natural formations that resemble chimneys. Picnicking, fishing and hiking are common activities; no swimming is allowed on the narrow beach beneath the bluffs. The Bluffs Trail, running 1.25-miles one way, parallels the lake's shore and connects to other trails.

Other Activities

Rent power and pontoon boats from Arney's Marina (arneysmarina.com) for one-day, three-days or a week and get out on the lake. Krenzer Marine (krenzermarine.com) has pontoons for rent. The Sodus Bay Yacht Club (sodusbayyc.org) is private, but has reciprocal agreements with other area clubs. Members can borrow sloops and keelboats for sailing. Katlynn Marine (katlynnmarine.com) is within walking distance of the lighthouse and beach, and has two sundecks. Abe's Waterfront Boat House Bar & Grill (abeswaterfront.com) has casual dining overlooking the bay and pontoon boat rentals. Boat over to Captain Jack's Goodtime Tavern (captainjackstavern.com) and enjoy lunch or dinner in season; breakfast is served on Saturdays and Sundays. Hot's Point (hotspoint.com) is a fun old-fashioned burger and ice cream restaurant with outdoor picnic table seating; breakfast is served daily until 11 a.m.

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About the Author

Karen Sweeny-Justice is a writer living in Surprise, Ariz. Her work has appeared in "Writer's Digest" magazine and "RubberStampMadness" magazine, as well as in newspapers around the United States. She also writes book reviews for "RT Book Reviews" magazine.